County, town reach agreement in long dispute over gaming $s

Written by Tunica Times
Friday, 06 April 2018 00:00

A dispute between Tunica County and the Town of Tunica reaching back to 2014 has finally been resolved.

Both governing boards voted this week to accept a settlement figure of $350,000 that came out of mediation on March 30. Tunica County will pay that amount to the town on or before May 10, according to the settlement.

Town mayor Chuck Cariker, town board attorney Chuck Graves, attorney Chad Mask, county administrator Adrian McKay, county board attorney John Perry, and attorney Ellis Turnage met with mediator Charles Griffin, an attorney with Butler, Snow law firm, last Friday in Jackson. Mediation in Cause No. 2014-0169 was agreed upon in February between plaintiffs Tunica County Board of Supervisors and defendants Town of Tunica and Tunica County School District.

Tunica County filed suit in October 2014, contending that the legislation enacting a local tax on gaming was unconstitutional and that the division of the tax revenues was an illegal donation to the town and public schools. The county suspended the distribution of these revenues to the town and school board in November 2014.

Celebrating the 'Son' rise

Written by BY Meg Coker
Friday, 06 April 2018 00:00

Just as the sun began to peak over the Tunica County Courthouse to the east, father and son singers W.J. and Clifton Johnson performed “Where You There? “for a crowd gathered in Rivergate Park on Easter Sunday, April 1.

Nickson found not guilty in 2013 shooting

Less than an hour after deliberations began in the state of Mississippi versus Mario Nickson on Wednesday, March 28, Judge Charles Webster received a note from the jury.

They were seeking guidance on how to handle of vote of two for one verdict, nine for another and one undecided. Webster encouraged jurors to continue reviewing the evidence and discussing it in order to reach a unanimous verdict.

An hour later, all parties returned to the courtroom. After reminding those present that he would not tolerate any outbursts, Webster asked the jury foreman to read the verdict.